Rattlesnake Roundup is Saturday in Whigham
The 56th Annual Rattlesnake Roundup takes place in Whigham Saturday, and organizers say with a positive weather forecast and more vendors than last year, they are hoping for a good turnout.
The event is the only fundraiser of the Whigham Community Club, which uses the proceeds to help local children, schools and families in need, says Andy Davis, club president.
The club collects money to do these good works from visitors who pay $2 each to enter the festival grounds, and from vendors who register for a place to set up their wares. The club gives away money, though, to hunters who bring the rattling serpents that are the main attraction for many in the crowd. Hunters with the most and the largest snakes split a total of $550 in cash prizes given away that day.
There are many opportunities for visitors to the Roundup Grounds to see rattlesnakes throughout the day. Hunters’ snakes are kept in large glass boxes with wired mesh lids. These snakes are on display throughout the day inside the fenced in “Snake Ring.” The deadline for hunters to turn in their snakes is 1:30 p.m.
In addition, a professional reptile exhibitor will conduct educational programs at least three times during the day, 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m. Yarbrough’s Educational Reptile Program brings their own snakes and other reptiles to use for demonstrations.
In addition to the hissing and rattling snakes, there will be entertainment. The Henderson Brothers from Ochlocknee will perform during the early part of the day, says Whigham Community Club president Davis. The group is donating its time to the club.
There will be plenty of activities for children throughout the day.
Gates to the Rattlesnake Roundup open at 8 a.m. While parking is free, there is a $2 entry fee to the grounds.
In addition to arts and crafts vendors there will be food vendors, but none selling rattlesnake meat. The captured snakes are purchased by an Alabama venture that uses them for medical research.
The Whigham Community Club is made up of 40 active members. They support the local Scouts, provide scholarships to youth athletes, give to local families in need, 4-H, and local schools.
